Michael Hall’s It's An Orange Aardvark! is a playful, visually captivating picture book that invites children to explore the world of imagination and colors in a fun and engaging way. The story revolves around a group of curious carpenter ants who, after drilling holes in the wall of their treehouse, discover a colorful world beyond. Their overactive imaginations quickly lead them to believe that they might be facing something much scarier than reality—a dreaded orange aardvark!
The narrative is driven by the ants’ wild and funny assumptions about what lies outside their treehouse. As they see different colors through the holes they’ve drilled, they guess what terrifying creature might be waiting. Could it be a blue aardvark wearing pajamas or maybe a purple aardvark on a scooter? The absurdity of their fears, paired with their increasingly creative guesses, brings a delightful sense of humor to the book.
Hall’s bold, cut-paper style illustrations add an extra layer of charm to the story. The vibrant colors that peek through the drilled holes build anticipation for young readers, encouraging them to think about what could be on the other side. Each page turn brings a new surprise, both in terms of the ants’ imagination and the brilliant color palette Hall uses. The simplicity of the shapes combined with the striking use of color makes the book visually stimulating and perfect for younger readers learning to identify colors.
Beneath the humor, It's An Orange Aardvark! carries a subtle theme about how fear can often stem from the unknown. The ants’ exaggerated reactions to the colors they see outside reflect how easy it is for imagination to turn something harmless into something seemingly scary. However, the book never takes itself too seriously. The silly guesses keep the tone light and playful, allowing children to laugh at the ridiculous nature of the ants’ fears while still engaging with the idea of facing the unknown.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of the book is its interactive feel. The holes the ants drill into the treehouse are mirrored in the actual book design, creating small cutouts that reveal glimpses of the next page’s colors. This physical interaction makes reading the book an active experience, encouraging children to peek through the holes and guess along with the ants. The design is simple but clever, adding an extra layer of excitement for young readers.
Hall’s writing is just as lively as his illustrations, with quick, snappy dialogue that keeps the pace moving briskly. Each ant has a distinct personality, which makes their collective guessing game even more entertaining. The repetition of their outlandish guesses and the escalating drama builds suspense while maintaining a sense of fun and adventure. The eventual reveal at the end, where readers discover what’s really outside the treehouse, offers a satisfying conclusion to the ants’ wild journey.
It's An Orange Aardvark! is an imaginative and lighthearted exploration of curiosity, fear, and creativity. Michael Hall masterfully blends simple yet vibrant illustrations with a story that will entertain children and adults alike. It’s a book that invites children to engage their own imaginations, question the unknown, and, most importantly, have fun with it. This picture book is sure to be a favorite read for families looking for an entertaining, colorful adventure.
Questions to ask while reading:
- What do you think the ants will find outside their treehouse?
- How do the ants’ imaginations change the way they see the world?
- Why do you think the ants are so afraid of the orange aardvark?
It’s An Orange Aardvark! on Amazon